Soft Tissue Techniques Flashcards

Strain-counterstrain (positional release) therapy for a tender point in the anterior talofibular ligament region requires positioning the ankle in:

Answer: Plantarflexion and slight inversion to shorten the involved tissue

Counterstrain positions the tissue in its shortened position (plantarflexion and inversion for the ATFL) to reduce mechanoreceptor firing and release the tender point.

Which soft tissue approach is most evidence-supported for treating lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) in a subacute presentation?

Answer: Eccentric exercise combined with deep transverse friction massage to the ECRB

Eccentric loading combined with deep transverse friction to the ECRB targets the degenerative tendinopathy pathology and stimulates collagen remodeling.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Contract-Relax technique for hip flexor tightness affecting gait works primarily through:

Answer: Autogenic inhibition via Golgi tendon organ activation during isometric contraction

The isometric contraction in Contract-Relax activates Golgi tendon organs, which reflexively inhibit the same muscle via Ib afferents, allowing greater subsequent lengthening.

During IASTM treatment of the wrist flexor tendons, the clinician notices petechiae forming under the skin. The correct interpretation is:

Answer: A normal tissue response indicating microtrauma-stimulated healing is occurring

Petechiae during IASTM represent expected microtrauma to hypovascular tissue, triggering a local inflammatory healing cascade that is part of the intended therapeutic mechanism.

The myofascial technique known as 'skin rolling' is most useful for assessing and treating which condition?

Answer: Superficial fascial restrictions and cutaneous hypersensitivity zones

Skin rolling lifts and rolls the superficial fascia and dermis, revealing restrictions and treating cutaneous hypersensitivity zones that accompany somatic dysfunction.

When applying manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) to a post-surgical ankle, which sequence is correct?

Answer: Proximal clearance of inguinal nodes first, then progress distally toward the ankle

MLD requires proximal clearance first — the inguinal and popliteal nodes must be opened before distal fluid is mobilized to avoid creating a 'traffic jam.'

Soft tissue mobilization of the carpal tunnel region to address median nerve tension should include treatment of which proximal structure to maximize neurodynamic mobility?

Answer: Pronator teres, brachialis, and pectoralis minor along the median nerve course

The median nerve traverses the pronator teres and passes beneath pectoralis minor; treating these proximal restrictions restores neurodynamic mobility throughout the entire nerve path.